1+1=1 Gallery > Artists > Linda McCray

Linda McCray

Artist Website

I translate universal spiritual truths into abstract paintings that speak to others, regardless of their traditions. To form visible signs of invisible grace, I use abstraction which—so powerfully through color, line, and texture—speaks directly to the heart. I layer my paintings with symbolism.

To create symbolism, I use abstract elements, certain materials, and selected painting methods. For example, the abstract element and universal symbol of light underlie all of my paintings. I image my Creator as Light.

Artist Statement

I translate universal spiritual truths into abstract paintings that speak to others, regardless of their traditions. To form visible signs of invisible grace, I use abstraction which—so powerfully through color, line, and texture—speaks directly to the heart. I layer my paintings with symbolism.

To create symbolism, I use abstract elements, certain materials, and selected painting methods. For example, the abstract element and universal symbol of light underlie all of my paintings. I image my Creator as Light. To capture feelings of the warmth and peace of the Divine Presence, I use a number of techniques including the old masters’ use of glazes to capture luminosity. I integrate found objects that abound with symbolism, such as sand from the River Jordan, ashes and palms. The torn-like edges symbolize that they are a part of something much greater. Technically, I create with acrylic paint on floating wood panel.

About Linda

Linda McCray lives and creates in Clancy, Montana.

Her paintings have been included in numerous international, national and regional invitational and juried exhibitions in the US and England. She has had solo exhibitions in galleries and art museums. McCray’s paintings have been showcased on calendars; book covers and inside pages; and magazine covers and articles; published in Belgium, Germany, Canada and the US. Her paintings are in a number of permanent collections including: Washington States Arts Commission’s Permanent Collection, the Helena Regional Airport, and The University of Montana-Missoula’s Skaggs Building. Private collectors and organizations have commissioned McCray to create paintings that speak of their mission.

She was an adjunct art professor from 2002 to 2016 teaching for Loyola University Chicago, The University of Mary, Helena College: The University of Montana, and Carroll College. She has lectured at art museums, universities, conferences and churches on contemporary spiritual art, including the Madden Museum of Art-Denver, Form/Reform: The National Conference on Environment and Art for Catholic Worship; and The University of Dallas Ministry Conferences. Her articles have been published by national magazines and by numerous publishers. She creates The Liturgical Artists Directory.

Linda graduated from The University of Montana Department of Art with a Master of Fine Arts in Painting and Drawing (MFA) and cum laude from Washington State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts (BA).

 

Artist Statements for Paintings in Flight Exhibition

Light of Hope

In Light of Hope, I express tough times through rough green texture, the blue of emotion, and red drips of pain. From this darkness, I invite the viewer to welcome the blazing orange Light all-encompassing them in warmth and peace.

Rising from Ashes

Rising from Ashes is about the spiritual flight of crossing over from death into life. Whatever your tradition, the Zen ensō or open circle symbolizes the setting free of the spirit into life. The modern drip line of gold rises from highly textured black paint made from ashes.

Oneness

Out of the brown darkness, emerges a gold celestial spiral that connects us with Light and all creation. It floats within soft orange and yellow ethereal Light, mysteriously not clearly seen. Blue-green, burnt orange and gold is mixed with sand from Montana and the River Jordan to convey the sacred ground we are on, right here and now.

Tent of Meeting

A cloud of Spirit guides us in all stages of our journey. Subtle colors create a feathered white rectangle and its blue background—a tribute to abstract painter Mark Rothko. An illuminated square, rich with yellow, amber and rust, expresses the tent of meeting, alluding to our ephemeral flight here on earth. Like many Rothko works, this painting is in the post-minimalist tradition—abstract art imbued with expression and emotion. 

Rain Down

This painting speaks of everyday fleeting moments of grace. Gold modern drip lines rain down from a Divine golden circle. A quiet blend of colors from sky blue, cloud white, to yellow warmth creates a mystical backdrop for spiritual blessings to rain down upon us.

Moment of Grace

Abstract elements convey Divine Love pouring into hearts that are open to receiving grace. From the deep purple top corner of this ethereal diamond shaped painting, I poured a gold modern drip line to express a moment of grace. It descends towards red paint, a heart. The yellow gold central color conveys Light and is surrounded by a multitude of colors including life-giving green. (Moment of Grace was awarded Honorable Mention, Oakton Foundation, Washington D.C., International Art Competition)